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Spruce Grove is the site of a new 132-unit assisted living project for seniors, slated for completion in the fall of 2011.

On Tuesday, Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports gave $7 million to Choices in Community Living Inc. to help build Copper Sky Lodge, to be located off of McLeod Drive near Dog Creek.

The additional funding will help build 70 new affordable spaces, complementing the previously funded 62 spaces for the $28 million project.

"Projects like this are proof of this government's commitment to helping meet the needs of vulnerable Albertans," announced Jablonski at Spruce Grove city hall following a tour of the tri-community and visits to various local seniors' facilities.

"This kind of capital funding helps to develop more options for people to remain in their communities and to remain close to their family and friends."

She said by providing alternative care spaces to move into, the province will be able to open up care beds for seniors in Alberta's hospitals and emergency departments.

This year alone the province is providing a total of $105 million in funding to assist the construction of 13 projects across the province, including new and upgrades to care facilities.

Approximately $55 million for those projects came from Alberta Capital Bonds investments and $50 million from the provincially funded Affordable Supportive Living Initiative program.

Jablonski said projects, like the Copper Sky Lodge, were prioritized for funding because of the need in the communities.

"Seniors have told us they want to stay together as they age in more homelike alternatives to traditional long-term care facilities and that's what this funding will do," said Jablonski.

According to president of Community Living Inc., Phil Gaudet, construction for the four-storey non-combustible structure will start in June.

The 132 assisted living units will include 27 enhanced designated assisted living suites for dementia care; 84 designated assisted living suites; three bariatric suites; two guest suites; one large studio suite, and 15 one-bedroom suites for couples.

"These units are supposed to be flexible enough to accommodate a variety of needs, including persons with mental health support or just physical needs, not just seniors," said Gaudet.

"We are going to have 24/7 nursing/LPNs . certified personal care staff, recreational activity staff and other therapy personnel will come in from home care."

The one-bedroom suites for couples will be offered to seniors at an affordable price under the continuing care accommodation fee guidelines.

With all its services, the facility will be the first of it's kind in the tri-area.

Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston and area MLA Doug Horner were also on hand for the funding announcement. Both said this is a much-needed project in the community.

"This money will be an important step in helping our city meet the needs of our community," said Houston.

"Spruce Grove is a city that thrives on family connections, on the values and contributions that our seniors make to our community."